Nuclear energy is an important technology for U.S. energy security and competitiveness, and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) is essential to nuclear energy’s success. By investing in early-stage projects, EDF accelerates technological advancement, attracts private capital, and ensures U.S. leadership in meeting rapidly growing global energy demand, enhancing our economic competitiveness, geopolitical influence and national security.
EDF plays the crucial role of financing early mover projects to help bridge the gap between demonstrations and projects financeable with private capital.
This brief, by Dr. James Richards, discusses how the EDF's strategic financing model leverages limited federal appropriations to advance nuclear energy commercialization and improve national and energy security.
This report was updated in April 2026 to reflect recent changes to EDF.